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Home The Black Terrier
"named Kaja"
It was in 1990 that the Black Terrier first caught my eye, on a international exhibition I was visiting with some of my other dogs. I was fascinated by the contrast these impressive, large dogs formed to my small, lively Norwich Terriers: it wasn't only their entirely different body size but also their careful character, the way they focus almost entirely on one (or a few) human beings that they trust, that they are loyal to.
Following some intensive research, I decided to buy my first Black Terrier from its country of origin. ......., also called Kaya, was born in Kiev and has been a part of my pack since 2007.
Origin
The Black Terrier, as a breed, is the youngest terrier, only having been officially acknowledged by the Klub für Terrier (KfT, the German Club for Terriers) in 1981.
The origins of the Black Terrier lie with the Russian military, where it was decided during the Second World War that there was a need for a new breed of dogs that could be trained to protect the borders and patrol buildings better than other dogs. The Black Terrier is decendent from a mixture of all different breeds (eg Schnauzers and Airedale Terriers). The new dogs had to be robust, able to adapt to the Russian climate, independent and, most of all, they had to have a strong protective instinct.
What the Black Terrier, however, did not have in those first years was a consistent standard look - it was only after private breeders took interest in those guard- and watchdogs that the breed of the Black Terrier as we know it today was born.
Appearance and care
At a shoulder height of approx. seventy centimetres, the Black Terrier is the tallest breed represented in the KfT. It isn't adviseable to keep a large dog like this in a small flat - the Black Terrier needs his space and prefers a bigger home, possibly with a garden.
The Black Terrier has thick, long, rough hair, which should be black or black/grey and has to be brushed and combed regularly. Cutting is of equal importance and has to be done every ......months.
Other than that, the Black Terrier is a robust, adaptive dog which doesn't need much care.
Character
In accordance with his origins as a guard- and watchdog, the Black Terrier still has a very strong protective instinct. He tends to be wary of strangers and protects and guards his 'pack' with passion.
Despite his initial mistrust, the Black Terrier is a downright family dog. He likes children and does not lose his temper quickly. Because he gets bored without constant proximity to his human attachment figure, he should not be kept in a kennel.
The Black Terrier is a relaxed, brave, teachable dog. It is important, both for him and his owner, to begin early with a consistent, strict training, so that his protective instinct can be channelled in the right way from the very start.
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